Norway's Immigration Appeals Board Lifts Suspension on Returns to Iran and Resumes Case Processing

What changed

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has implemented a new process for handling protection claims, effective from 28 September 2026. New caseworker guidance details the use of a single protection interview to identify and process claims that may be suitable for refusal. This streamlined approach replaces the previous system of separate screening and substantive interviews, impacting how protection claims are assessed by immigration staff.

What changed

UK Visas and Immigration has published Version 5.0 of its Country Policy and Information Note on sufficiency of protection in Pakistan. The September 2026 note replaces the previous July 2024 version, which was titled “Actors of protection”. The Home Office states that the note has been renamed and that its country information and assessment have been updated.

What changed

On 18 September 2026, the UK Home Office changed its guidance for caseworkers who deal with Temporary Permission to Stay (VTS) applications from people officially recognised as victims of human trafficking or slavery. This update includes specific instructions on how to handle 'Reconsideration' requests, explaining the process for reviewing earlier decisions in this immigration category. This change affects both the immigration staff who make VTS decisions and individuals who want their VTS application decisions to be reconsidered.

What changed

The Utlendingsnemnda (UNE) in Norway has lifted its suspension on the requirement to return to Lebanon, effective from 18 September 2026. This decision means that individuals who had a final decision for return to Lebanon are now required to leave Norway. Additionally, the UNE will restart the processing of cases that involve assessing returns to Lebanon, which had previously been put on hold.